“Dr. Tang, good afternoon.”
“Dr. Tang, would you like an apple? It’s not in season yet, but it was picked from the organization's greenhouse.”
“Dr. Tang, could you sign this for me?”
Ever since Tang Xiao woke up from his coma and presented the treatment plan for the zombie mushroom, he had become a celebrity within the Third Eye overnight. Almost everyone he met recognized him, even those he had never interacted with before. When they passed him in the hallways, they would smile and greet him—something that had never happened before.
Tang Xiao nodded and smiled at each of them, often receiving admiring gazes from newcomers. It was only then that he belatedly realized he had become an academic legend.
“Tang Xiao, have you decided what you're going to wear to the celebration banquet tonight?” Aberk leaned in, winking. “Let me tell you, a lot of people are looking forward to the banquet tonight. This might be the last chance for everyone to relax for a while. The ladies will be there, and with your looks and achievements, you’re bound to be a prime target for conversation.”
Upon hearing this, Lodge instinctively glanced at Tang Xiao’s expression, only to find him looking indifferent, as if he had little interest in the topic. “I’ll just wear my lab coat.”
“How can that be okay? Oh, by the way, I heard you have a speech before the banquet. Have you memorized it?”
“Yeah.” Tang Xiao responded absentmindedly as he observed the people passing by, their faces filled with smiles and hope.
Yet, he couldn’t help but think of Jun Tesi, who was slowly approaching death in the laboratory.
He had no idea how Jun Tesi was doing. Tang Xiao had been too busy verifying the results of his research to check on him. All he knew was that Jun Tesi was still alive, according to others.
“Tang Xiao.” Lodge noticed that Tang Xiao no longer seemed as excited as before and was occasionally lost in thought, causing a flicker of doubt to cross his mind.
“Dr. Tang, long time no see.” A familiar voice greeted them as someone approached. Lodge and the others stopped in their tracks. “Dr. Dawson.”
It was none other than Dawson, whom they hadn’t seen in a while. Though, for Tang Xiao, it hadn’t been that long. In the previous loops, whenever project researchers suffered from severe psychological stress, Dawson, as a psychologist, had been responsible for their counseling.
Hands in his pockets, Dawson grinned. “Congratulations again, you’ve achieved something incredible.”
Tang Xiao’s development of a treatment for the zombie mushroom had exceeded all expectations. Dawson had originally been assigned as the psychological consultant for the research team in case they broke down under pressure. But before he could even officially take on the role, Tang Xiao had already completed the research, and the project team was on the verge of disbanding.
“Thank you.”
“By the way, I wanted to ask—have you seen someone named Si Tejun recently?” Dawson asked cautiously, observing Tang Xiao’s expression. “Tall, thin, doesn’t wear glasses. He looks alright. Though he might not go by that name, but he’s someone you’d probably recognize.”
Tang Xiao couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
Could he be any less careful?
“Sorry, I don’t know him.”
…Why did he lie?
As a professional, Dawson immediately caught the subtle shift in Tang Xiao’s expression. Before he could probe further, Tang Xiao asked, “Are you close with him?”
“Not exactly. He’s a patient of mine. We had a scheduled consultation, but he hasn’t shown up for a long time, so I’m a bit worried.”
Dawson had mixed feelings about Si Tejun. At first, he saw him only as a patient—or a troublemaker. But after spending time with him, he had unconsciously grown fond of Si Tejun’s strange, childlike sincerity. Now that Si Tejun had disappeared for so long, Dawson felt bored without him. But more than that, he was genuinely concerned for his safety.
“Why ask Tang Xiao?” Lodge asked in confusion. “Do they know each other?”
“Uh, just a casual question.” Dawson couldn’t disclose patient information, so he brushed it off.
At that moment, Tang Xiao instantly understood something.
Great, now he had found the source of all those little tricks Jun Tesi had been pulling. So it was Dawson who had taught him.
“If you don’t know him, then never mind. I’ll keep looking,” Dawson said.
“You could try checking the surveillance footage,” Aberk suggested. “Use facial recognition, and you should find him quickly.”
Dawson nodded. “Yeah… if I really can’t find him, I’ll consider it.”
Tang Xiao felt a subtle sense of unease.
The trio watched Dawson walk away, and Lodge noticed that Tang Xiao kept staring at Dawson’s back, seemingly deep in thought.
Nightfall came quickly.
The celebration banquet was scheduled for 8 PM. It was similar to the previous banquets Tang Xiao had attended, with an abundant buffet. Many researchers had even skipped dinner in anticipation of the feast.
Not just researchers, but other personnel from the base were also allowed to attend.
They all sensed that this might be the last chance to relax before the coming war. The winter chill had begun to fade—was spring really that far away?
Many of them might not survive the upcoming catastrophe. Even the most disciplined ascetics would indulge in what could be their last great meal.
By close to 8 p.m., the banquet hall was already bustling with people. Men and women dressed in suits and gowns mingled with scientists who still wore their lab coats. Everyone was spending the evening in whatever way they found most comfortable.
Xiao Bai casually responded to the envious and begrudging remarks of his fellow scientists—most of whom were jealous that he had such a brilliant student.
Most people originally thought that even if Tang Xiao could achieve something remarkable, it would take him at least a few years to fully immerse himself in research and build up his knowledge base. However, disaster struck first, and before anyone could react, Tang Xiao had already cracked the zombie mushroom problem that had troubled all of humanity in the blink of an eye.
The speed at which he accomplished this left everyone dumbfounded. Of course, no one doubted that Tang Xiao was the one who had actually conducted the research—their curiosity mostly revolved around whether or not he was a superpower.
“Xiao Bai, just be honest with us,” Basil's eyes were full of curiosity. “Does Dr. Tang really have some kind of superpower that lets him study and conduct research in his dreams? There's been a lot of speculation in the organization lately. Some even say that maybe time flows differently in his dreams compared to reality, and he's actually been researching for a long time in his sleep. That's the only way he could have produced such an astonishing result.”
This theory had gained quite a bit of traction in the base. After all, it was bizarre how Tang Xiao suddenly achieved a breakthrough after being in a coma for a week. Many believed that superpowers were the only logical explanation.
“If you tell us, we promise to keep it a secret,” Dr. Joel added.
Xiao Bai looked at the group of curious old scientists, feeling exasperated. “I really don't know. But I don't think Tang Xiao is a superpower.”
“Why not?”
Because he had already been tested. But of course, Xiao Bai couldn't say that. Just thinking about the misunderstanding from back then made him feel awkward.
“Just trust me—he's not.”
“Then what, he just dreamed up the answer?”
Xiao Bai sighed helplessly. He really had no idea, but based on the previous medical reports, Tang Xiao was definitely not a superpower.
At that moment, he happened to spot Feng Shuyun approaching. Finding an excuse to escape from the overly curious scientists, he grabbed a glass of champagne and walked toward her. “Dr. Feng, have you seen Tang Xiao?”
“Dr. Xiao.” Feng Shuyun stopped and looked at him. “No, but he’s probably getting changed. Why, are you looking for him for something?”
“Nothing in particular.”
But Feng Shuyun noticed the subtle unease in his expression and immediately pressed, “Did something happen? Did you two have a fight?”
“No, it's just that we have different opinions regarding Project 428.” Xiao Bai frowned slightly, recalling the odd look on Tang Xiao's face when they last discussed 428.
Even Xiao Bai had sensed something unusual, though he wasn’t sure how to put it into words. Despite his keen academic insight, when it came to understanding people and emotions, his skills were the complete opposite—practically nonexistent.
If Dawson were here, he might have immediately realized the deeper meaning behind Tang Xiao’s brief lapse in composure. But all Xiao Bai could register was that something felt… off.
Still, Tang Xiao was his student. Even if he didn’t fully understand, Xiao Bai kept it in mind. Hesitating, he asked Feng Shuyun, “He seems to care a lot about 428. Do you think what the Third Eye is doing might provoke a strong reaction from him?”
“I'm not sure,” Feng Shuyun admitted after some thought. “To be honest, Savant Syndrome is a rare condition, and I don’t know how deeply a patient might be obsessed with their designated lifelong research goal. Maybe we should ask Lodge—he’s always been by Tang Xiao’s side, so he might know more.”
Xiao Bai agreed. They scanned the celebration hall but didn’t see Lodge’s distinctive blond hair. Instead, they spotted Aberk by the buffet table.
“Lodge?” Aberk swallowed the food in his mouth when he saw the two esteemed researchers approaching him. “I haven’t seen him.”
“It's almost time to start.”
“Yeah, it's weird,” Aberk said. “Normally, Lodge is the most enthusiastic at times like this.”
After spending so much time together, everyone in the research team had long figured out that Lodge was Tang Xiao’s biggest fan—bordering on obsessive. He was the type to rush to the front row at every one of Tang Xiao’s presentations just to record the moment. Based on what Aberk knew about Lodge, he should have arrived at the venue long ago.
Maybe he ate something bad?
“Or maybe he’s somewhere we just haven’t looked. I’ll go find him.” Aberk set down his plate.
“We'll come with you.” Xiao Bai and Feng Shuyun followed.
As time passed, the celebration hall grew livelier. Even the most reclusive and crowd-averse scientists made an appearance, eager to soak in the atmosphere. Amid the fine food and wine, the room buzzed with conversation and clinking glasses.
“Ah, I wish I could go to the banquet,” a staff member sighed. “Of all days, I had to get assigned to shift duty today. What’s the point of guarding this experimental subject? Didn’t they say it’s worthless now?”
“A starving camel is still bigger than a horse,” another replied. “Just do your job. We should be getting replaced soon anyway. Once the other research team picks up this experimental subject, we’ll be free.”
Compared to the lively banquet, the project team’s experimental area was eerily quiet. Apart from the two staff members on duty, there wasn’t a single other person.
Inside the observation chamber, an experimental subject sat against the wall, waiting for death.
In just one week, Jun Tesi had lost the ability to maintain his human form. Half of his body was covered in festering wounds, with dull-colored mycelium creeping out from beneath his rotting skin. His left arm had transformed—starting from the elbow, his exposed muscle tissue was raw and red, his palm wide and his fingers sharpened, no longer resembling anything human.
His face remained relatively intact, but a third eye had sprouted beneath his right one, embedded in his skin like something grotesque and unnatural. The sight made the guards instinctively avert their gaze in disgust.
Leaning against the wall, Jun Tesi stared at the glass separating him from the rest of the facility. But this time, he could no longer see through the one-way mirror.
The mycelium was withering.
The mycelium network he had spread throughout the organization was slowly dying off. This meant that, over the past week, Jun Tesi had gradually lost his extended vision. Like an ordinary experimental subject, he was now trapped in this cage. He had experienced this before, long ago, as a child. He never thought he’d relive that same terror and helplessness.
Tang Xiao never appeared again.
Ever since that time reloads, never again.
Sometimes, Jun Tesi would recall the look of disbelief in Tang Xiao’s eyes back then, and amid his excruciating pain and breakdown, he could taste a hint of sweetness.
See? He does care about me.
But after that, Tang Xiao never came back.
Jun Tesi could no longer perceive the outside world. At first, he thought maybe Tang Xiao was thinking of other solutions, maybe he had other important matters to attend to.
But a week had passed.
And still, he didn’t come.
Jun Tesi began to worry—had something happened to Tang Xiao? Was he in danger? Had the King of Mushroom set his sights on him?
One day, the researchers who had always worn solemn expressions suddenly broke into smiles. Jun Tesi couldn’t hear what they were saying, but from reading their lips, he could make out words like ‘success,’ ‘zombie mushroom project,’ and Tang Xiao."
Oh… so Xiaoxiao is fine. He was just burying himself in researching the zombie mushroom, just like before, and this time, he finally succeeded.
Jun Tesi came to this realization.
So, the reason he didn’t come… was simply because he had something more important to do.
And compared to him, the future of humanity was undoubtedly more important.
But what about their future?
Mycelium don’t cry, nor do they have the ability to. His human form was merely an imitation. No matter how turbulent, helpless, or desperate Jun Tesi felt, his brain only rationally arrived at one conclusion.
So that’s how it is… He no longer has a future.
So Xiaoxiao won’t come back.
Because he’s no longer of any value.
Jun Tesi closed his eyes and desperately tried to activate the underground mycelium network, hoping to grasp even a sliver of information from the outside world. And this time, what the fungal network transmitted was the sound of celebration, of joyous revelry.
The humans outside were celebrating the arrival of hope.
While he was silently walking toward death.
Jun Tesi thought—so walking toward death alone… is such a terrifying thing.
“Dr. Tang, it’s time for you to go on stage.” A staff member reminded Tang Xiao, glancing at his attire in surprise. “You didn’t change?”
The organization’s higher-ups had prepared a brand-new suit for Tang Xiao. As Feng Shuyun put it, it was the kind that could enchant every girl in the room—or maybe even the guys too.
But Tang Xiao was still wearing his white lab coat. He stood up. “No need, this is fine.”
“Well… alright.” The staff member scratched his head, hesitating for a moment before deciding not to say anything. After all, most of the attendees were scientists, and Dr. Tang was also a scientist—perhaps dressing like this better symbolized his identity.
“You go ahead, I’ll just use the restroom and be right there.”
“Alright, but be quick. Everyone’s waiting for your grand entrance.” The staff member grinned. “They said since the Nobel Prize can’t be awarded yet, they’re holding a small internal ceremony for you as a warm-up.”
Tang Xiao smiled wryly. “Got it. Thanks for your hard work.”
“No, no, it’s you who worked hard! Without you, humanity wouldn’t have hope.” The staff member waved his hands quickly before heading backstage to prepare.
Tang Xiao turned around, looking at his reflection in the mirror, murmuring to himself, “This might be the last time I wear this.”
Then, he turned and left the room.
Tap. Tap.
As the stage lights focused, the chatter in the banquet hall gradually quieted. Those near the stage could already hear footsteps from backstage and turned toward it with eager anticipation.
A figure appeared. The scientists in the audience were just about to start applauding, but then they realized—this person wasn’t Tang Xiao.
“Oh, hands down, hands down—I can’t bear that kind of honor!” The host quickly raised his voice, then smiled. “I know you’re all impatient, so let’s not wait any longer. This time, let’s welcome the greatest scientist of the new century! I’d say there’s no one else like him—not even his own mentor.”
He playfully winked in Xiao Bai’s direction. Xiao Bai, unconcerned that his student had surpassed him, actually had a rare smile on his face. The scientists in the audience turned to look at Xiao Bai as well, and a few who had previously been intrigued by Tang Xiao chuckled good-naturedly.
“He has solved one of the greatest challenges in human history—the incurability of the zombie mushroom. A brilliant scientist who has secured humanity’s advantage in the war—Tang Xiao! Let’s give him a round of applause!”
More footsteps echoed from backstage.
Walking down the empty corridor, Tang Xiao took a deep breath. He could already imagine the scene at the banquet—the endless applause ringing in his ears.
Everyone’s eyes would be on him, smiling at him, as if this was the very center of the world.
But amid the illusory applause ringing in his ears, he vaguely heard the ticking of a stopwatch. Tick, tick.
“Oh, looks like the replacement has arrived,” a staff member brightened at the sound of approaching footsteps and glanced at the surveillance monitor. “Finally, we can be rid of this silent lab and that strange experimental subject.”
Jun Tesi made no reaction, silently leaning against the corner of the wall.
At the celebration banquet, every scientist applauded—especially the younger researchers, who clapped so hard their palms nearly turned red. Their eyes shone with admiration.
For these young scientists, who had only recently set foot on the path of research, nothing was more romantic than using their knowledge to turn the tide and save a collapsing world.
Tang Xiao had no idea how many young scientists saw him as their role model. In terms of prestige, no scientist had been more popular than him in recent times.
Everyone was eagerly awaiting Tang Xiao's grand entrance.
En?
The one who finally walked out from behind the stage was not Tang Xiao. Instead, it was a staff member, sweating profusely, who rushed to the host and whispered something into his ear. The host’s expression shifted slightly, and he murmured, “We can't find him.”
“Then hurry up and look for him!”
Their conversation was hushed, but the expressions and body language were enough for those in the front row to sense that something was wrong.
Why hadn’t Tang Xiao appeared? Where was he?
Meanwhile, in the laboratory, the on-duty staff were just about to leave when they suddenly spotted a familiar figure emerging from the darkness. Stunned, they asked, “Dr. Tang, why aren't you at the banquet?”
“My speech is over,” Tang Xiao replied calmly. “You all can go, I'll keep watch here.”
“This... this isn't right.”
“Just go,” Tang Xiao frowned, deliberately showing displeasure. “I have some ideas I want to test on the subject. I need to finish before the next research team takes over—don’t waste my time.”
The staff hesitated, but another one quickly pulled them aside and whispered, “If that's the case, let him be. Don't interrupt him.”
He hurriedly took the staff away. While walking, he whispered, “Let’s go, don’t bother Dr. Tang.”
“But... what about the celebration banquet?”
“Ah, don't worry about it. Haven't you heard? Geniuses are like that. When inspiration strikes, they don't care about anything else. Compared to a breakthrough idea, a banquet probably means nothing to him. If we interrupt him, we might disrupt a thought that could change humanity’s future—we can't afford that risk!”
Since Tang Xiao had solved the zombie mushroom crisis after waking from his week-long coma, his reputation had soared to near-mythic levels. It was something he found both amusing and convenient.
Once the two left, Tang Xiao immediately scanned his bracelet to unlock the experimental subject area.
Were they here to transfer him to another research team?
The lab door opened, and cold white fluorescent light spilled into the room. But when the young man lifted his face, the harsh light softened into moonlight, illuminating his heart.
It was the figure he had longed for day and night.
Jun Tesi stared blankly at the suddenly appearing Tang Xiao.
“Am I dreaming?”
Tang Xiao carefully examined Jun Tesi’s condition, his eyes reddening slightly. Then, as if to cover it up, he moved forward, crouching beside Jun Tesi, and used a small knife to cut through his restraints.
“Xiaoxiao, you—”
“Oh, I almost forgot to say,” Tang Xiao looked up at Jun Tesi, trying to smile. But with his red-rimmed eyes, he looked like he was on the verge of tears. "Hello. Let’s elope."
Jun Tesi’s eyes widened.
“What?”
“Leave this place with me. You don't want to?” Tang Xiao asked, still cutting through the straps. It was a question, but it left no room for refusal.
Jun Tesi, dazed, repeated, “Leave this place? You and me?”
“Yeah. Who else?”
“But… but,” Jun Tesi stammered, confused, “I thought you liked it here.”
“My mission here is complete,” Tang Xiao said. “The rest of the war doesn’t need me anymore. With or without me, it makes no difference. But I want to spend the last of my time with you.”
“Don't you want that?”
How could he not? It was what he had longed for all this time.
He just couldn’t believe that Tang Xiao would abandon everything to leave with him.
In the end, when faced with death, he had been the one Tang Xiao chose.
Jun Tesi suddenly stood up. Tang Xiao had just barely managed to cut through two straps when, with barely any effort, Jun Tesi flexed his muscles and snapped the rest apart.
“Xiaoxiao, let's go!” Jun Tesi grinned, lifting Tang Xiao into his arms effortlessly.
Tang Xiao had a bad feeling. Wait—wasn't he supposed to be dying soon?
Jun Tesi was indeed dying. But even a dying lion was stronger than a horse. Even in his deteriorating condition, carrying Tang Xiao and running was still faster than letting Tang Xiao run on his own.
Thanks to the banquet, security was slacker than usual. Though Jun Tesi could no longer control mycelium remotely, he still had intelligence gathered from previous surveillance. He easily mapped out the least-patrolled escape route and skillfully lured away the guards. Tang Xiao, who had braced himself for a life-or-death struggle, was now staring in shock.
“You planned this… how long ago?”
“Not too long,” Jun Tesi said shyly, making a tiny gap between his fingers. “Just a little preemptive planning.”
Tang Xiao: “...”
Who knew how many times he had planned this, how long he had been waiting.
Jun Tesi had never expected to use these plans, but mushroom had plenty of time anyway—why not let them daydream a little?
And now, here they were.
Everything had gone smoothly until they reached the exit. The problem arose when Tang Xiao scanned his bracelet—but the door didn't open. Only then did he remember that the base had entered a state of alert, constantly on guard against beast tides and traitors. Without high-level clearance, the main gate wouldn’t budge.
“Jun Tesi, can you open it?”
“I can, but it’ll cause quite a commotion,” Jun Tesi replied.
Tang Xiao frowned. If possible, he wanted to put some distance between them and the base before the Third Eye reacted.
Jun Tesi’s body couldn’t handle an intense fight anymore, and on top of that, he had to carry Tang Xiao.
Just then—
Footsteps sounded nearby. Jun Tesi immediately tensed, and Tang Xiao grew nervous as well. They hadn't even left the base yet—how had the pursuers caught up so quickly?
Under the dim passage lights, the approaching figure gradually revealed a familiar face—golden hair, deep blue eyes.
“Lodge?” Tang Xiao was stunned. He had considered many people who might try to stop them—Xiao Bai, or perhaps Dawson with his uncanny insight, even Leon. But he had never expected Lodge to be the one standing here.
“You…”
Lodge seemed to know what Tang Xiao was about to ask. He spoke softly, “You want to know how I found out?”
“Tang, how long do you think I’ve been watching you?” Lodge lowered his gaze, golden bangs casting shadows over his eyes. “I just never wanted to believe it. And I never would have spoken of it.”
“It’s not too late to turn back. With your achievements, no one will hold you accountable, no one will blame you. You can still easily claim the brightest crown of the academic world.”
“So, are you really going to leave with it?”
Tang Xiao sighed softly. “Sorry. I know this isn’t a smart decision. If you want to call security, go ahead.”
Lodge stepped closer. Jun Tesi immediately positioned himself in front of Tang Xiao defensively, but Lodge ignored him, walking past to scan his own bracelet.
Beep.
The bracelet lit up, and the base’s massive doors slid open. A gust of wind and snow howled into the warmth of the facility.
Tang Xiao looked at Lodge in shock. Finally, Lodge raised his gaze and sighed helplessly. “You're right—it’s not a smart decision. But so what? Who dares to say you're not smart?”
“You stand at the pinnacle of human intelligence. Naturally, your choices must have meaning,” Lodge said softly. “At least, that’s what I believe. Isn't that what friends are for—to support each other?”
“Thank you, Lodge.”
Lodge shook his head. “Go. They’ll figure it out soon. If you don’t leave now, you won’t get another chance.”
Tang Xiao looked at him deeply, then patted Jun Tesi on the arm. Jun Tesi understood, lifting Tang Xiao into his arms. He took one last glance at the human standing there before stepping forward, carrying Tang Xiao into the swirling snow.
Their figures were quickly swallowed by the endless white.
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